If you eat sugar rich foods all by themselves, especially if you are insulin-resistant, there is a greater spike in your blood sugars. This spikes results in an increased release of insulin-like growth factor IGF , which has been shown to help cancer cells grow. If blood glucose levels are better controlled, less IGF is released which likely will decrease cancer growth.
If you eat protein, fat and fiber along with even the simplest sugars, these three items help the body make less insulin in response to simple sugar.
For example, instead snacking on potato chips, choose a handful of nuts or have tortilla chips with low-fat bean dip. Our body is designed to use blood sugar as fuel, so while sugar does feed cancer cells it also feeds healthy cells.
Oversimplifying the sugar and cancer debate can cause more harm than good, creating stress and anxiety around food and mealtime. Focus on overall lifestyle changes, rather than worrying about one food, to benefit your health.
Do you need help with making lifestyle changes to support healthy blood sugar? Learn more about our oncology nutritionist by visiting Integrative Medicine or calling Cancer Myth or fact: Does sugar feed cancer cells? Sugar and cancer When you eat, your blood sugar rises as your body breaks down food to use for energy. A lifestyle strategy to keep cancer at bay Research shows that extended periods of high blood sugar and high insulin, the hormone that helps manage blood sugar, may influence cancer cell growth rather than any one particular food.
Glucose is that critical for our cells to survive and function properly. Not consuming sufficient carbohydrates can lead to the breakdown of protein stores in our body, which can contribute to muscle loss and possibly malnutrition. Following a restricted diet with very low amounts of carbohydrates can also cause unintentional weight loss. This can impact the ability to tolerate cancer treatment.
Restricting carbohydrates also eliminates foods that are good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals and immune supporting phytonutrients. To date, there are no randomized controlled trials showing sugar causes cancer. Spice up your morning oatmeal or dry cereal by adding fresh or dried fruit. Replace your favorite desserts with fruit on most days. Do you prefer artificial sweeteners over sugar? Some studies done with laboratory animals have found links between artificial sweeteners and cancer.
But, no proof exists that says artificial sweeteners definitely cause cancer. Until more is known, your best bet is to avoid or limit artificial sweeteners. Bottom line: sugar, when eaten in small amounts, can fit into a balanced diet. Too much daily sugar can cause weight gain. My Chart. Donate Today. For Physicians. Cancer Moonshots. May Does cancer love sugar? Previous Article. Next Article.
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